NYU Abu Dhabi awarded 87 students the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship. These scholars represent a diverse group of high‑achieving Emirati secondary students selected for the Class of 2027.
The scholarship, now in its 16th year, supports an 18‑month Summer Academy that blends two intensive summer sessions with academic‑year enrichment for Emirati secondary learners. The programme begins in the summer after Grade 10 or Year 11, giving participants a structured pathway from high school to university preparation.
Program Milestone and Reach
Seventy‑seven of the selected scholars will join the cohort that has historically sent alumni to institutions such as NYU Abu Dhabi, Yale, Princeton, NYU New York, the London School of Economics, the University of Pennsylvania and King’s College London. The scholarship recognises both academic excellence and leadership potential, positioning students for admission to top global universities and for success once they arrive.
Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the initiative’s impact, stating:
“The Summer Academy reflects our commitment to investing in young people with the talent, curiosity, and determination to shape the future of the UAE.”
— Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee
Curriculum, Research and Leadership Development
Each summer, scholars spend five weeks on NYU Abu Dhabi’s campus engaging in rigorous critical‑thinking and academic‑writing courses. A dedicated leadership and public‑speaking module builds communication and collaboration skills, while targeted test‑preparation sessions in language and mathematics ensure readiness for future academic challenges. The five‑week intensive format allows students to focus deeply on these core competencies before returning to their schools for the academic‑year component.
Beyond classroom instruction, the Academy offers co‑curricular activities that foster teamwork and cultural exchange. In their first summer, students explore NYU Abu Dhabi’s research ecosystem through visits to research centres, gaining exposure to emerging fields and the role of innovation in addressing global challenges. The second summer deepens this experience with an NYU Abu Dhabi Track Course—an undergraduate‑level class adapted for Academy participants and taught by university faculty, allowing scholars to choose from a range of disciplines and experience university‑level learning firsthand.